APPENDIX E

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTERS


THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

TO: the Upper White River Communities
FROM: the Rochester Ranger District

Issue 1
June 25, 1991

ABOUT THE EVENT

The Rainbow Family of Light has selected the Rochester Ranger District for its 20th annual national gathering June 29 - July 7. The Gathering is expected to attract 20,000 people. Since 1971 the Rainbow Family, a collection of counter-culture groups who espouse alternative lifestyles, has gathered annually on 19 National Forests in 19 states. Members travel from all over the United States; attendance varies from 5,000 to 35,000

HOW'S IT GOING?

June 23, the Forest Service presented an draft Operations Plan to the Rainbow Council that incorporated the State of Vermont input. Formal consensus will be sought at the main Council meeting July 1. Rainbows will give the Forest Service an indication of approval prior to the 1st. Bus Village appears to operating smoothly. Single vehicle parking remains a concern. Rainbows are looking for alternative areas. To assist private landowners adjacent to Gathering, the Forest Service will flag private lands above encampment (Rd 55) today.

CURRENT EVENTS

On site conditions: Rainbows are continuing to develop water and sanitation facilities. Kiddy Village has been established; over 16 kitches are in operation. One birth on site; baby 'Forest Moon' and mom are doing fine. We estimate approximately 1500 people at the Gathering. The numbers nearly doubled over the weekend.

Unofficially the Forest Service understands that the Rainbows are Faking plans to meet with local businesses on Vednesday. Report of a stabbing at A Camp Sunday morning was investigated by State police who are treating the incident as an allegation. Some local business operators are reporting a few nuisances like loitering and pilfering.

FOR INFORMATION

The Forest Service invites you to telephone us with questions or information. Our telephone number contact at the Rochester Jr. High for public information and others is 802-767-4605. Expect intermittent staffing for the next few days.

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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communities
From: The Rochester Ranger District

Issue 2
June 27, 1991

CURRENT EVENTS

We estimate 2000 persons at the Gathering. A Camp remains a major concern to the majority of the Rainbows and the Forest Service. Parking of single vehicles along posted Forest Service and town roads remains an issue. The Forest Service has issued a limited number of parking permits to Rainbow members to allow parking along the road. All other vehicles are illegally parked and will be warned and if not moved, will be towed from the site at the owner's expense.

HOW'S IT GOING?

Because of a few nuisance reports in the community, one Family member spent the day as a self designated member of the Shanti-sena. The Shanti-sena is the peace keeping force which maintains peace through reasoning.

FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION

An Incident Command Post has been established at the Rochester High School. Forest Service personnel are on duty to answer your questions and concerns regarding the Gathering. The Command Post phone number for PUBLIC INFORMATION is 767-4605. The number for LAW ENFORCEMENT concerns is 767-4607.

OTHER EVENTS

The Rainbow Family has gathered annually on 19 National Family in 19 state. The Rainbow Family has stated that it plans to meet in every state in the Union. Gatherings have been held in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arkansas, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Arizona, West Virginia, Washington, Idaho, Michigan, California, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, Minnesota (last year) and now Vermont.

WATER MONITORING

Forest Service and Vermont Department of Health officials will regularly monitor local streams as well as the White River to be sure that Gathering activities are not causing a deterioration in water quality.

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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communities
From: The Rochester Ranger District

Issue 3
July 1. 1991

WHO'S AT ROCHESTER

The event is being managed under a system called ICS (Incident Command System). A management team and cooperating agencies are working together to make the Rainbow Family Gathering run smoothly. The Incident Commander is Warren DuBois. 51 people representing a variety of agencies are assigned. Agencies include: County Sheriff's Departments of Addison, Calidonia, Windom, Washington, Rutland, Orange, Windsor; Mass. Dept of Environment-Bureau of fire Safety; Border Patrol; Vermont Dept of Health; Vermont Dept of Fish and Came; Valley Rescue Squad; and the Forest Service.

HOW'S IT GOING

The number of Rainbow Family members doubled over the weekend. By a vehicle count of 1200, the Forest Service estimates 6000 people at the gathering. Bus village is to capacity, Forest Road 100 is being used and Rainbows are shuttling people to the main camp. People participating at the gathering now represent over half the US States from Alaska to Maine, Canada, and Scotland.

WATER SAMPLING

Results and interpretations as of 7/1/91 Mercury samples taken last week in the White River and Clark Brook were negative - no mercury. Fecal coliform test is being taken in the White River by the Vermont State Health Dept.: .7 miles above Granville, at Cranville, Hancock, and Rochester.

Fecal coliform monitoring is only used to determine the suitability for water for RECREATIONAL uses, such as swimming. It does NOT constitute a full drinking water test. Sample results from last Tues. through Thurs. were very low, - zero or just a few colonies of fecal coliform bacteria per 100 mi. The count at Rochester was 60 colonies, but this is also considered low. was higher in Rochester due to land uses such as cow pastures, and not due to the Gathering. The Forest Service and Health officials are ONLY esting for fecal coliform bacterial. There are several other types of bacteria and parasites tie. Ciardia) present in the water which can potentially cause illness. No testing for Giardia has been done. The best advice to any recreational visitor is to always BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER.

FOR INFORMATION

You are welcome to call the Incident Command Post for information or updates, telephone 767-4605. Whit, f!ancy or Sue will be happy to answer any of your questions. Dispatchers are on call 24-hours, telephone 767-4607.

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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communities
From: The Rochester Ranger District

ISSUE 4
JULY 3, 1991

HOW' S IT GOING?

As of Tuesday afternoon, July 2nd, about 10,000 people have joined the Rainbow Gathering at the Granville site. Based on last year's numbers, the Forest Service estimates numbers will peak at 14,000. Rainbows say the numbers could reach as high as 20,000.

WATER QUALITY

The most recent water test results show slight fluctuations in the fecal coliform levels in the White Rivet at the three monitoring sites down river from the Rainbow Gathering site: Granville 1 6, Hancock - 69, Rochester - 98. The increased levels in Hancock and Rochester are due to agricultural land usa (cow pastures, etc.). The test results show that the river remains safe for RECREATIONAL USE. The fecal coliform test does not constitute a full drinking water test. Just remember, BOIL ALL DRINKING WATER.

VALLEY RESCUE SQUAD

The Valley Rescue Squad (VRS) has responded to five Rainbow related calls to date. They will continue to answer calls for assistance as requested.

FOR INFORMATION

You are welcome to call or visit the Incident Command Post at the Rochester High School for more information telephone 767-4605. Dispatchers are on call 24 hours; phone number 767-4607.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Officers from the Vermont State Police; the Addison, Caledonia, Orange, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor county sheriff departments; and the Forest Service continue their cooperative efforts to enforce state and federal laws at and around the Gathering. Safety on local highways and security in surrounding communities is top concern. Law enforcement teams ate concentrating on policing activities around the perimeter of the Gathering.

WINDOWS ON THE PAST

This year's Rainbow Gathering is happening in an area which was forested hunting territory used exclusively by the Abenaki and related native American peoples until about 200 years ago. Just 100 years ago it was nearly tree-less--the result of logging, farming and grazing practives by Euro-American settlers. The remains of these farms and homes and some of the trees and plants associated with them are still visible throughout the gathering area, and the names and spirits of the Pettis, Riley, Cart, Taylor, Vatson, Swan, Wood and other families who lives and worked here in the 19th century still cling to the landscape. Today, the area is generally referred to as "Rob Ford". Cellar holes, stone walls, fences-·and piles, artifacts, and other material evidence of the former residents are an unwritten reminder and historical record of these peoples lives. They are protected by federal laws.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communities
From: The Rochester Ranger District

Issue 5
July 5, 1991

THE BIG EVENT

The estimated number of Rainbow Fanily rcnbars swelled from 10,000 on July 3 to 16,000 by 5pm July 4; traffic continued bumper to bumper through the early hours of July 5. Major efforts by law enforcement to direct and assist motorist to designated parking areas within the Forest boundary. Many visitors to the Gathering had to unit 3 - 5 hours for Rainbow Fanily shuttle service to the front gate; then had a 3 mile hike beyond the entrance.

16,000 RAINBOWS? HOW DO WE KNOW.

Cooperative law eaforcewnt agencies have assisted in a daily count of vehicles. By multiplying the number of vehicles times 5, we have estimated the number of people attending the event. 16,000 play be a conservative number, or perhaps liberal -- at least it is consistent! Parking areas include: 'A' Camp, Bus Village, Texas Falls, Misc., Forest Road 100, and one private meadow. Private business driveways are not included in the count.

WATER MONITORING CONTINUES

Forest Service and Vermont Health Dept. continue daily visits to kitchen and sanitation facilities and monitor water quality. Water tests for fecal coliform remain in the acceptable range. This test provides important information for people who wish to use water for recreational use such as swimming. All water in the Forest unless otherwise marked should be boiled before drinking.

Results:

Fecal Coliform
Location7/17/2
FR 555046
Granville1216
Hancock4860
Rochester126144


WHAT'S NEXT?

Once the majority of Rainbow leave the area an July 7, a number will remain on site to begin the task of clean up and rehabilitation of the land. Rainbow Fanily clean-up crew will be responsible for picking up all litter; disassembling and removing fire rings; rehabilitating trails; removing structures; and naturalizing the site. Members have a good track record for 'derainbovizing' the areas, the Green Mountains should be no exception.

NUMBER OF VEHICLES AND AREAS
.
Dates
"A"
Camp
Bus
Village
Texas
Falls
.
Misc.
Forest
Road 100
.
Private
TOTAL
7/16309825682631471
7/273571170763691979
7/31636813081395122343
7/412405135020610191053097


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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communities
FROM: The Rochester Ranger District

ISSUE 7
JULY 7, 1991

DRUG ARRESTS

During the Rainbow Gathering law enforcement officials have put significant effort into drug investigations. Saturday, July 6th their work paid off as they arrested two male out-of-sate residents for possessing and selling over 16,000 hits of LSD, cocaine and marijuana. Also in their possession was about $5000 cash and assorted drug paraphernalia.

Arrests were made in the Texas Falls Recreation Area. The suspects are being held at the Rutland Regional Correctional Center, and will appear in federal court on Monday. If convicted, charges could carry a penalty in excess of 10 years imprisonment and fines over $100,000.

WHITE RIVER AT GATHERING SITE UNSAFE FOR SWIMMING

Results of stream testing conducted by the Vermont Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, and the US Forest Service indicate that portions of the White River in Granville, Hancock and Rochester have fecal coliform counts in excess of the State's safe swimming standard. Officials with the two cooperating agencies have been watching bacteria levels in the river as part of the environmental monitoring being done in connection with the National Rainbow Family Gathering in the Green Mountain National Forest this past week. Bacteria levels remained well below the standard of 200 fecal coliform organisms per 100 milliliters of sampled water until Friday, July 5th. Test results read Saturday ranged between just over 200 and 600.

Harold Sargent, senior sanitary engineer with the Vermont Health Department recommends people not swim or come in contact with these waters until they are shown to be safe. Agency officials have posted the affected portions of the White River with "No Swimming Water is Contaminated" signs. Attempts have been made to contact local town health officials, but most have been unavailable, probably due to the holiday weekend.

Health Department experts suggest the following possible explanations for the current situation:
1) drainage from pastured fields;
2) very low stream flow which concentrates the bacteria;
3) increased number of people swimming in the waters;
4) increased number of people and their pets in the area; and
5) heavy rains that occurred on July 5th which washed bacteria into streams.

Agency officials will continue to monitor the water's quality. Two consecutive days of fecal coliform counts below 200 are needed before the warning signs can be removed.

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THE ROCHESTER RAINBOW REPORT

To: The Upper White River Communtities
From: The Rochester Ranger District

Green Mountain National Forest

ISSUE 8
July 9, 1991

AN END AND A BEGINNING

As we move to the closure of the 20th Gathering of the Rainbow Family of Living Light, District Ranger Rob Iwamoto and his staff now concentrate on site rehabilitation. The Rainbow Family, guided by the Forest Service, will return the land to natural condition as soon as possible.

July 8 the area will be opened to visitors although · few traffic restrictions have been imposed for safety reasons. In order to provide resource protection while rehab is taking place, no camping will be permitted within 100 feet from the White River, Patterson Brook and Clark Brook in Granville.

REHAB TEAM

A Green Mountain National Forest Rehab Team has been assigned. Headed by Rochester Ranger District Assistant District Ranger Bruce Flewelling, members providing input include: Nancy Burt, soils and water; Don LaFlam, angineering; Dave Lacy, archaeology; and Tom Paquette, trails.

WHAT ABE OUR OBJECTIVES?

The Rehab Tears has established objectives for land rehabilitation. These include:
Clean up all litter and dispose or recycle items.
Cover fire pits with native material and scatter rocks.
Cover latrines with native material.
Clean up and dismantle kitchens and 11 other structures.
Consider all trails on a case-by-case basis.
Return parking areas in the meadows to natural conditions.

WHO DOES WHAT?

The Rainbow Family clean-up crew is responsible for picking up all litter, disassembling and removing fire rings, rehabilitating trails, removing structures, and naturalizing the site. The Forest Service makes recommendations to the crew for scarifying, seeding, fertilizing, and other site rehabilitation needs. Of concern to the Forest Service is the timeliness of land rehabilitation. We expect all work to be accomplished by early August.

AND GOODBYE...

On behalf of the Incident Command Staff -- Warren DuBois, Incident Commander; Nort Phillips, Deputy Incident Commander; Tom Williams, Planning; Nancy Gardner and Sue Denoncour, Information Officers; Bruce Flewelling, Operations; and Larry Ridgley, Logistics --

THANKS

Bruce, Sue and Nort will remain at the Rochester Jr. High School for awhile, to continue public contact and assure speedy success of the rehab efforts. Stop and visit or give a call if questions or concerns come up. Tom, Nancy, and Warren have returned to Minnesots, California, and Missouri to resume regular Forest Service duties. It's time for your beautiful communities to get back to normal. We appreciate your help and your warm Vermont hospitality.

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